Author Archives: Fourth Estate

About Fourth Estate

Fourth Estate is George Mason University’s official student-run news outlet. The publication was formed in fall 2013 in collaboration with the student newspaper, Broadside, and a student-run news website, Connect2Mason. Our mission is to inform Mason students, faculty, alumni and interested observers about what’s happening on campus and in the community. We release a weekly print publication each Monday during the fall and spring semesters and maintain a strong online presence.

People or the Economy?

BY: MOLLY HARNISH CONTRIBUTOR Do we quit this world-on-pause strategy out of fear that the economy will collapse, or do we keep going indefinitely until this thing dies down? In other words: Do we save the economy, or do we…

Our Doctors and Nurses Deserve Better

BY: AHMAD ALACH CONTRIBUTOR Although coronavirus has wreaked havoc and exposed the deficiencies of governments at every level and in every corner of the globe, there are some silver linings. It has shown us that telework (when possible) may not…

Letter to the Editor

A version of this letter was sent to Interim President Anne Holton and the Board of Visitors on February 20, 2020. I want to ensure that the new president, Gregory Washington, has a chance to read it, as my concerns…

Higher Wages Are Good For People On Campus: Here’s Why

BY CASSIDY POLLARD, CONTRIBUTOR As I sit down in the Johnson Center, holding food from one of the many Sodexo-operated restaurants, I take a minute to think about how heavily our campus relies on the workers that staff these restaurants…

Letter To The Editor: Dear Candidate for President of GMU:

BY THE GMU CHAPTER OF AAUP, TRANSPARENT GMU, AND GMU RETIRED FACULTY ASSOCIATION, CONTRIBUTORS Thank you for applying to be the next president of George Mason University. As a candidate, we are certain that the executive search firm has told…

No Home For Frat Homes

BY KAYLYN MATIS, STAFF WRITER One of the main complaints I have heard from those involved in Greek life is that Mason does not have a Greek row. By not having a Greek row, Mason shows that it is trying…

Getting Fit With Mason Fitness

BY CLAUDE MCVICKER, STAFF WRITER Three years ago I entered the world of weightlifting, and the impact it’s had on my life is monumental. I felt bigger, stronger and more confident, and now, I always try to find time to…

This Is Suburbia

BY MOSES HUNSAKER, CONTRIBUTOR Going to Mason is a time of transition for new students in many ways, and for some it isn’t just a new home — it’s a whole new area as well. Northern Virginia is dominated by…

Gun Confiscation is Mainstream Democrat Policy – It Won’t Work

BY SEAN HELWIG, CONTRIBUTOR America’s gun debate is frequently ruled by emotion on both sides. One of the left’s most common talking points is to ridicule conservatives’ fears of gun confiscation as irrational fearmongering. Recent events have demonstrated that gun…